Croxetti

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Croxetti is a unique type of pasta consisting of flat medallion or coin-shaped pasta disks stamped by hand or machine with intricate patterns.

1 Origin and history
2 Description
3 References
4 See also

[edit] Origin and history

Croxetti originated in Liguria, in Northern Italy along the border with France, during the middle ages.^[1]^[2] In the past they were made by local peasants and used by aristocratic families as a display of wealth and status.^[3]^[4]

[edit] Description

Croxetti are still produced in small batches near Genova, Italy. They are stamped and cut into circles approximately 1.75 inches (4+ cm) in diameter from flat pasta sheets with a mold to create the distinctive patterns. The combination mold/cutter may be made of hand-carved wood^[1] or a bronze die.^[5] The stamping may be done by hand or by machine, with the hand-stamped versions being more intriecate.^[1] The detail forms ridges that allow sauce to cling and add flavor.^[1]

The pasta typically has patterns on both sides, with an intricate design on one side and a simpler pattern on the other. Whereas they once featured a family coat of arms, the fancier side now features a regional coat of arms or the maker's trademark^[2]. Typical symbols on the other side are a cross (from which the name croxetti derives), fruit, family initials^[1], sailboat,^[2], mortar and pestle, sunsets, sailboats, or palm trees^[3]. In Italy they may be used as wedding favors^[1] or for other events, in which case an artisan craftsman is commissioned to make the die for people to prepare the pasta at home.^[5]

Croxetti is usually served with a simple meat or mushroom sauce, pesto,^[3], pine nut^[5] or walnut sauce, fish sauce, or light cream sauce.^[6] They may also be served with a simple butter or oil, possibly with herbs, or plain.^[2]